The Audi S3 will be showcased at Wörthersee this month, swapping its already potent 300PS output for a 525PS and metamorphosing into the A3 clubsport quattro concept for the annual meeting of fans of the Volkswagen Group brands in Reifnitz, Germany (May 28-31).

Adding 600Nm of torque to the mix courtesy of a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder TFSI engine which replaces the S3 four-cylinder TFSI, the A3 clubsport quattro concept will be the Audi star of a show that will also include the 420PS Audi TT quattro sport concept and a host of other Audi models.

The Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept features a seven speed S tronic transmission with a compact three shaft layout. Its tall seventh gear reduces fuel consumption, and the final gear ratio has been modified accordingly. The driver can allow the dual clutch transmission to work fully automatically in modes D and S or choose to change gears manually using the paddles on the steering wheel or the shift lever. A launch control function manages starts with maximum power and controlled wheel slip.

Compared to the production Audi S3 Saloon, the body has been lowered by 10 mm and spring and damper settings have been adjusted to suit the increased performance. All three parameters can be adjusted via the struts of the coilover suspension so that the show car can be perfectly adapted to the task at hand, be it on the road or the race track.

The Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept rides on 9.5 J x 21 wheels shod with size 275/25 R21 tyres. The internally vented front brake discs measure 370 mm in diameter. All four discs are made of carbon fibre ceramic, making them extremely lightweight and abrasion-resistant.

When the driver of the Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept applies the brakes at high speed, the air brake is activated. Electronically actuated, the rear segment of the boot raises from its standard spoiler setting to a near-vertical position in the blink of an eye. At 155mph, the air brake reduces the stopping distance by around twelve metres.

Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept rear